FAQs

WHAT DOES MY QUARTERLY ASSESSMENT COVER?

The quarterly assessment paid to the Bayles Lake Homeowners Association is used to pay the salaries and expenses for personnel for Maintenance/Grounds, Security, Water Supply Operator, Administrative Assistant, and Legal Support. The assessment also covers our yearly audit, utilities, real estate taxes, and HOA Insurance. The assessment covers expenses, maintenance and repairs for roads and drainage, water and sewer, lakes and parks, lake water testing, grass cutting, snow plowing, and the sanitary sewer project.

HOW DO I STORE MY BOAT AT THE MAINTENANCE SHED?

Any Bayles Lake resident may store their boat, boat trailer, utility trailer, camper, RV, etc. at the Maintenance Shed, as long as you have your lake residence house number, a Storage Agreement Contract, and a payment of $100 per item returned to the HOA. Space is limited and this storage area is on a first come, first serve basis.

HOW DO I RESERVE THE ROBINSON MEMORIAL PAVILION AT HEALEY PARK?

For reservations, rules and regulations: Reservation Form

For additional information please call the Board Secretary.

WHAT IS THE BURN PILE AND HOW CAN I USE IT?

The burn pile is located behind the Maintenance Shed and lake residents may use it as follows:

Homeowners, contractors, and non-resident workers may take twigs, branches, brush, and tree limbs less than 4 inches in diameter to the burn pile behind the maintenance shed.
Grass clippings and leaves are not allowed at the burn pile. If homeowners use a lawn mowing service, contractor, or non-resident worker that collects the grass clippings and leaves, the lawn mowing service, contractor, or non-resident work must remove the grass clippings and leaves from lake property.
Homeowners, contractors, and non-resident workers will not be permitted to bring brush or tree limbs larger than 4 inches to the burn pile behind the maintenance shed.

Grass clippings, leaves, metal, glass, plastic objects, old mattresses, sinks, toilets, cabinets, drywall, doors, windows, TVs, garbage, etc. may not be added to the burn pile. Homeowners may not allow contractors or non-resident workers to dispose of used materials at the maintenance shed, maintenance grounds, or burn pile.

WHAT IS BAYLES LAKE SAFETY AND SECURITY?

In case of an emergency, call 911.

Under the supervision of the Bayles Lake Homeowners Association (BLHOA) President, Bayles Lake Security performs safety-related duties to ensure the safety of lake residents and their guests.

Performs security duties for the protection and preservation of the lake, parks, and roads. Assists Iroquois County and Illinois State officials when necessary.

Patrols Bayles Lake property during those times most appropriate to check safety/security so that Bayles Lake residents and guests conduct themselves in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the BLHOA.

Responds to resident safety/security concerns or complaints regarding BLHOA Rules and Regulations and takes appropriate action to resolve valid issues.

Advises lake residents and guests of violations of the BLHOA Rules and Regulations and works to resolve violations.

Directs unauthorized visitors to leave the lake area. In those situations where unauthorized visitors fail to comply, consults with the County Sheriff for appropriate follow-up.

Patrols the lake waters during the boating season to ensure residents and authorized guests are fishing and boating in accordance with BLHOA Rules and Regulations and pertinent State Law.

Assists residents with the removal of unwanted or destructive animals from BLHOA property or, if necessary, coordinates such activities with Iroquois County officials.

Attends regular meetings of the BLHOA Board of Directors or attends Special Board meetings upon request and reports on safety/security activities or incidents.

Makes recommendations and suggestions to the Board, intended to enhance the safety/security of Bayles Lake and its residents.

Performs other duties such as recovering loose boats, opening and closing the maintenance property when necessary, assisting with storm damage or control, participating in lake-sponsored activities as requested, removal of unauthorized signs, enforcement of weight limits, and notifying the building permit inspector of violations.

WHAT IS THE BAYLES LAKE WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM?

The Board of Directors requires the lake to be sampled yearly to determine the bacterial levels in the water. We currently use PDC Laboratories in Peoria for Lake Water Quality Assessment and Certification/recreational purposes. Each June, seven samples of lake water are collected at different spots from the lake and are tested for fecal coliform/e.coli, nitrate, ammonia, phosphorus, and 19 additional different chemicals. Tests look for water quality problems or disease-causing pathogens that may pose a health risk for infants, children, and adults while swimming. PDC Laboratories uses the Illinois Department of Public Health (IPDH) testing protocol established in the Swimming Pool and Bathing Beach Code, based on guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Recreational Waters.

WHO CAN I CONTACT TO HELP ME WITH BOAT SERVICE AND REPAIRS?

Loda Marine, (217) 386-2561, can provide you help with putting your boat in the water in the spring and taking it out of the water in the fall, as well as boat service, repairs, sales, and storage.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT BOATING SAFETY EDUCATION?

Throughout the year, many people operate motor-driven watercraft on Illinois waters, and many operate for the first time. So, we encourage people of all ages—both novice and experienced—to take the course. Each of us has the responsibility to keep this lifetime leisure activity free from tragedy and personal loss to ourselves and our fellow boaters. The Illinois Boating Education Course is offered with these objectives in mind. The Illinois Boating Education Course consists of a minimum of eight hours of instruction. These courses cover the basics of boating safety, equipment and requirements, navigation, motorboat, registration and titling, emergency measures, and the Illinois boating laws. Persons 12 years of age and over completing the minimum eight hours of instruction and successfully completing the final examination will receive a State of Illinois Certificate of Competency.

Who Must Take the Course?
Illinois law requires persons at least 12 years of age and less than 18 years of age may only operate a motorboat if:

They have in possession a valid Boating Education Certificate of Competency issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Safety Education Division, or
They are accompanied on the motorboat and under the direct control of a parent or guardian or a person at least 18 years of age designated by a parent or guardian.

Two Ways to Take the Course

Instructor-led Classes: The traditional class method is through an 8-hour instructor-led class structure. Classes may be taught in one day, or over a couple of different days. The class will end with a test to pass. Interested individuals may call +1(800)832-2599 or check the List of Education Courses by County.
Online Self-Study Course: Students may study the course materials at their own pace, completing chapter reviews along the way. At the end of the course material, the student will be required to pass an exam. Student certification will be mailed by the course provider.

Two Providers For Online Boating Safety Courses and Certification

Valid Safety Certificates Issued By

Additional Links

WHERE CAN I GET A FISHING LICENSE?

Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Fishing Licenses, can be purchased at Paxton City Hall, 145 South Market Street, (217) 379-4022, or at the Rantoul Walmart. The cost is about $15.00. You can also go to www.dnr.illinois.gov and order a fishing license, or call +1(888)673-7648. Fishing licenses run from April 1 to March 31.

CAN I PLANT A LEGACY TREE ON BAYLES LAKE PROPERTY?

Bayles Lake was created, in part, for its aesthetic value and natural environment with recreation and relaxation as its primary focus, while enjoying a quiet, rural community setting.

The goal of the Lakes and Parks Committee Program is to encourage residents to be proactive and to protect or replace trees through voluntarily planting additional trees at Bayles Lake. Lakes and Parks will continue to try and plant a few new native trees each year, depending on its budget.

The massive, native 100-foot tall oak trees, some may be over 200 years of age, stand in our parks, green space, and on private property all around Bayles Lake. Numerous hickory and a few walnut trees survive as well because of the foresight of D.B. "Doc" Bayles. "Doc" enjoyed the tree canopies over our parks, protecting many of the trees as he created home sites and park space. And he probably did not fully understand the impact he would have on today's environment.

Since 1952, many of our residents have successfully saved these trees as well as planted numerous other tree species. This continues to give our community a woodlands feel, even as we are surrounded by the flat farmlands of East Central Illinois. Many residents have situated their homes to maximize the wonderful views of the lake, parks, and trees, taking advantage of the beautiful seasonal colors in all directions. Unfortunately, we lose one or two trees of notable size and history each year for a variety of reasons, and the loss can be felt around the lake. The Lakes and Parks Committee encourages property owners to protect or voluntarily plant "Legacy Trees" in honor of family, friends, or special occasions.

According to the University of Illinois Plant Clinic, replacement evergreens should consist of Norway Spruce, White Spruce, Douglas Fir, Japanese White Pine, or Eastern Red Cedar.

Please call J.U.L.I.E. at +1(800)892-0123 before you dig. They will check for any underground public utilities. You also need to contact Bayles Lake Maintenance/Grounds personnel so they can check on any Bayles Lake water, sewer lines, or overhead electrical lines.

Information From the Arbor Day Foundation
This is the mission statement of the Arbor Day Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit conservation and education organization: "We inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees."

Founded in 1972, the centennial of the first Arbor Day observance in the 19th century, the Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with over one million members, supporters, and valued partners.

The impact we make on our world is accomplished through our conservation and education programs. Check out www.arborday.org for more information.

Information From Living Lands and Waters
Living Lands and Waters, founded in 1998, is another great program. Visit their website at www.livinglandsandwaters.org, and check out their Million Tree planting project.

Both websites encourage us to voluntarily plant trees and to successfully work to protect our environment. Check the local phone book or go online for the names of area landscape, flower, or tree nurseries.

Native Trees of the Midwest
A native plant is considered to be a species that existed in an area prior to the arrival of European settlers, as opposed to a naturalized plant, which has been introduced into a new habitat by human influence. Native trees are part of the rich and complex relationships among plants, animals, insects, and microorganisms in natural ecosystems (woodlands, prairies, wetlands, etc.) of the Midwest. The diversity of native trees provides interesting textures, colors, shapes, flowers, and foliage. Planting native species is a way to re-establish natural diversity and restore our regional landscapes, and they help to sustain habitats for many of our native birds and insects.

Use in the Landscape

Provide food and shelter for wildlife and promote plant diversity
Provide shade and muffle noise
Create privacy or a sense of enclosure
Define boundaries and screen unwanted views
Provide a focal point in the landscape

Advantages of Native Trees

When properly planted, native trees have the advantage of being adapted to Midwest growing conditions: they are vigorous and hardy, enabling them to survive cold winters and hot, dry summers
Once established, native trees are more adapted to resist the negative effects of insect and disease problems
Using native trees in the landscape, or in combination with cultivated plants, enhances our natural surroundings

Trees to Avoid
Some native trees have qualities that make them undesirable for planting in the home landscape. They may be prone to breaking, have messy fruit or thorns, or be more susceptible to insect and disease problems.

Among the native trees not recommended for planting in the home landscape are black locust, black cherry, boxelder, choke cherry, dotted hawthorn, eastern cottonwood, pin cherry, and Washington hawthorn.

Google "Native Trees to Illinois" and you will be given multiple sites to explore, including:

You will also see the Illinois Department of Natural Resources link to native trees in Illinois.